Red wine and roaring log fires go hand-in-hand, making South Australia's Barossa Valley the perfect winter getaway.
Wine is the lifeblood of the region. Those in the industry take great pride in what they produce - and with good reason. The Barossa Valley is renowned for producing some of the best red wine in the world, and the Mediterranean climate (warm summers, cool winters) is perfectly suited for richly-flavoured Cabernet and Shiraz.
With around 87 cellar doors in the region, wine-lovers will be thrilled with what's on offer.
With great wine comes good food. Local and seasonal ingredients feature heavily on menus, and chefs delight in showcasing the best cuisine in the region.
Driving through the quaint heritage town of Tunundra, I was struck by the beauty of the stone buildings and tree-lined streets. There's a charming vibe in the town with cafes, wine bars and restaurants full of visitors and locals.
Where to stay
There is accommodation to fit every taste and budget in the Barossa Valley. From the ultra-luxurious to holiday parks and everything in between.
The Louise, with its gas log fireplaces in each room, private terraces and opulent decor is the ultimate luxury getaway. Guests will be pampered with spa tubs for two, walk-in rain showers, and views across the valley.
For those wanting something a little less extravagant, the Novotel Resort offers contemporary and comfortable accommodation.
Where to eat
Appellation at The Louise offers the best in fine dining. Executive chef Daniel Murphy works closely with sommelier Patrick Burgun to pair the best flavours with the best wines.
Every course was as delicious as the last, but the wagyu beef dish was my favourite.
Executive chef Mark McNamara at St Hugo has created two outstanding sampling menus - where guests can taste the very best of South Australian seasonal cuisine, paired with featured wines. The dining experience can take up to three hours - and diners lucky enough to eat at Chef's table will experience the effortless creation of each course while hearing chef describe each ingredient.
For lunch, I loved the halloumi fries at Vino Lokal in Tunundra. Enjoy a wine tasting while you're there.
I ate breakfast a the Barossa Farmers market - the Market Burger is well-regarded as the best way to start the weekend. The food is fresh and local, and the community-feel at the market is welcoming. I sat with two Adelaide locals, in the Barossa for the day to "refuel and fill their cups", and they insisted I visit local legend Maggie Beer's Farm Shop.
Turns out, they were right. From tasting all of Maggie's famous products - in fact, this is the only place in Australia where you have the chance to see and try just about every product they make - to dining in The Farm Eatery, or picnic food near the lake, Maggie Beer's Farm Shop is a must-do.
How to get there
Air New Zealand flies direct from Auckland to Adelaide, with one-way seat fares from $298. It's an easy and comfortable flight. On arrival, self-driving to the Barossa Valley takes just over an hour.
Newshub.
Newshub travelled as a guest of the South Australian Tourism Commission.
